Slam Dunk Central

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Based on Phoenix Suns center Amare Stoudemire’s performance in tonight’s game, it is almost a safe assumption that he has recovered nicely from arthroscopic surgery on his knee six weeks ago; he and 3 other Suns scored over 20 points in leading Phoenix past the New York Knicks 113-102.

The Knicks’ roster was somewhat depleted as they were without 3 starters, including starting guard Stephon Marbury, who abruptly left the team and flew back to New York just when the team began a 4-game road trip.? New York were also without swingman Quentin Richardson (hyperextended right elbow) and forward Zach Randolph (personal); in addition, the Knicks lost reserve guard Mardy Collins in the first quarter with a mild sprain of his right foot.

Phoenix was ahead 62-45 after Stoudemire’s jumper with 1:36 left in the half, but New York finished the half with a 7-1 run.? Suns forward Shawn Marion’s 3-pointer put Phoenix up 76-58 with 6:51 left in the 3rd quarter and also led 85-66 after forward-center Boris Diaw’s soft alleyoop pass to Marion for a dunk.? The Suns led by as many as 21 points at one point in the 4th quarter.

Leading the Suns charge was Stoudemire with 26 points and 12 rebounds, with Marion and G Leandro Barbosa?pitching in 23 each and F Grant Hill adding 21.? New York was led by G Jamal Crawford with 21 points, with Fred Jones adding 19 and 9 rebounds; reserve G Nate Robinson contributed 18 off the bench.? Phoenix’s (6-2) next game is on Thursday when they host the Chicago Bulls, while the slumping Knicks (2-4) go west to take on the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night.